Thanagal's Various Writings

[Thanagal]

Administration, Economic and Science: A Sith Perspective
By: Acolyte Thanagal

Preamble

Out of all the domains within the organizational structure of the Sith Empire it is these three that are seen most often as out of the ordinary. Where it is natural and expected that Sith be in positions of authority and domination their position as direct administrators of such civil affairs perplexes many, even some of the Sith engaged in this very work. When it comes to the other spheres (as seen in the Dark Council or in the powerbase’s own Pentarchy) of War, Doctrine, Intelligence and Diplomacy it is more natural and expected (by most atleast) that the Sith command these areas of interest directly. Bureaucracy, some say, is the domain of the clerk and the scrivener, matters unfit for higher beings whose very nature is entwined with majesty and conflict.

I would call upon the reader to disenthrall themselves from these misconceptions. In the modern galaxy bureaucracy and administration are the greatest tools of Empire. Should the Sith fulfill their nature and dominate the galaxy we must be prepared to use these tools to their fullest and recognize the opportunities for influence beyond the banalities. For those who do undertake this effort there is much of value to be uncovered too often discarded by the short sighted.

Economic Administration

Succinctly put the field of economics can be understood as the science of production, distribution and consumption under scarcity. It follows from the study of this field one discovers the immutable laws of social decision and organization, the natural forces that shape production and the physical barriers of distribution. In the context of the Sith Empire it involves the complex management of the Empire’s existing material and manpower into the productive capacity necessary to carry out the goals of the Sith. However much power and influence even the mightiest Sith might wield even they cannot truly rule alone. They cannot build fleets, droids, fortifications, cities, starships, weapons and infrastructure alone. Through their will they possess the dominance necessary to wield the masses towards their ends but they require the skill to direct them well. Under these auspices the entire Imperial economy is managed in a top down fashion under the Ministry of Logistics which oversees production for all Imperial worlds. It appoints industrial administrators, sets order, quotas, regulations and pay for Imperial labourers. It also handles contracts with any independent corporations and firms the Empire may do business with in the course of its efforts.

Beyond production of war and limited consumer goods the Empire also manages large scale resource extraction on various planets and asteroids, valuing self sufficiency and autarky the Empire endeavors as much as possible to secure direct control over any necessary materials to avoid overreliance and trade and external powers. While there does exist a sizable labour force among the Imperial citizenry they are by and large manage smaller scale shops and firms for local needs under license from the ministry or serve as upper management of larger imperial corporations, the largest portion of the Imperial labour force comes in the form of slaves. Whether born into it or captured by Imperial conquest, slave labour is responsible for a significant chunk of Imperial production. Working in factories, mines, construction and domestic service slaves see to it that the majority of the Imperial citizenry can be sent to military service to serve the demands of Imperial conquest. Accordingly a significant portion of efforts to maintain economic growth and harmony comes about in the acquisition of new slave labour and the repression of slave uprisings where they pop up. It is perhaps in recognizing this fact that the proper position of the Sith within this field can be understood. Commanding an economy is, on reflection, not so different from commanding an army. One has a goal and the means in terms of material and manpower to meet it out. One maintains dominance and control through effective utilization of fear and loyalty and when carried out competently one can achieve a significant amount of influence, a grand tool by which to carry out one’s will.

Beyond the Empire wide considerations of production that manifest primarily through the Ministry of Logistics, there is also the matter of private holdings. Many Sith Lords within the Empire manage sprawling accounts with long lists of productive assets. Successful Sith are able to marshal the Imperial resources they are given by virtue of their positions with their own private resources. From the diplomatic and social benefits of opulent estates and armies of servants to the military benefits of private security forces there is much to be gained by direct procurement of this sort. It is worth noting that within the Horuset Powerbase in particular this fact has seeped into the minds of many of the Sith in positions of power. Enough that many offer favors and assistance in return for the aid of others in acquiring such assets and material for themselves and their growing personal powerbase.

Scientific Advancement

While still seen by many as a domain left to be relegated to those without access to the force, this sentiment, I feel, is much less common when it comes to the domain of science. Particularly among those Sith who familiarize themselves with the art of Sith Alchemy, there is a strong recognition of the congruence between the command over the force brought upon by the darkside and the command over the very laws of nature brought by scientific inquiry. Marshalling the intelligence and skill of the Imperial citizenry has allowed the Empire to benefit from a multitude of breakthroughs in design and development. From simple improvements in star ship engine design to weapons capable of destroying an entire fleet with a single blast. The emerging technological superiority that can be garnered through efforts in scientific research can bear immense fruit for the Sith who dedicate themselves to it. Such efforts have proven themselves again and again as being necessary, particularly given our conflicts with the Galactic Republic. It remains a simple fact that their own population vastly exceeds our own. Accordingly despite their less militaristic ways they have been able to marshal this superiority rather effectively in both the economic and military spheres. It has fallen to the Empire to make up for this disadvantage with intensive utilization of scientific innovation as a force multiplier. 

Unshackled from the childish moral qualms that restrict the Republic’s efforts the Empire has been able to pioneer many critical advancements which have assisted in snatching victory from the jaws of defeat on many fronts. Sith, with their natural capacity for domination, in particular those with the mind of an alchemist, have much to benefit from an interest in this field. Extending their dominion over the laws of reality more directly, commanding technological and biological terrors to bring their foes to their knees and uncovering secrets of production and power generation to give them key tactical edges are all matters which should interest any Sith worthy of the name.

Conclusion

These oft discarded fields of interest possess much of value for any willing to pay them sufficient mind. The effective marshalling of productive and scientific capacities is necessary for success in any conflict. Those keen to see their and the Empire’s efforts succeed would do well to pay both these matters mind and take care to see fully the opportunities excelling within them can garner.